Lohagad

Lohagad ("the Iron fort") is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet (1,052 m).

Lohagad covered in mist during the monsoon

Geography

It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna rivers and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. Another fort called Visapur is located close to Lohagad, on its eastern side. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. Historical records show that in the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis (1742-1800 AD) built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well (bawali).

On the west side, there is a long and narrow wall-like fortified spur called Vinchukata in Marathi (scorpion sting) because of its natural shape.

History

Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji captured it in 1648 AD, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it for keeping his treasury. It is said that when Shivaji raided Surat, all the wealth was brought to this fort under the supervision of Netaji Palkar. Legend has it that Shivaji's treasure still lies buried in and around the fort but no evidence of this has been uncovered so far.

Shivaji also used this fort to keep a close watch on Konkan and Bhor Ghat from these forts.

The adjoining fort, Visapur, is larger and at a greater elevation than Lohagad. This height advantage was used by the British troops in 1818 AD who set up their canons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagad, thereby forcing the Marathas to leave.

The fort

Lohagad is a fairly large fort. This is one of the better preserved forts in the region, and many of its distinctive medieval defense features can be seen during the serpentine winding ascent to the top. From the nearby village, there are four doors to the top of Lohagad: Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja. All the doors are still quite strong and in good condition. Of the four doors, the Hanuman Darwaja is the oldest; the remaining three doors were built by Nana Phadnavis. Maha Darwaja has a few sculptures.

Between the second and third doors, there are some cellars that were (probably) used as granaries. After entering the Maha Darwaja, a structure containing some tombs can be seen. There is a spacious rock cut cave called the Lomesh Rishi Cave along the fortification. There are several water tanks with one of them having a natural spring in it containing fresh clean water.

On top of the fort, there is a a Mahadev temple adjacent to which is a tank with steps descending to the water. There is also a grave of a muslim pir.

How to reach the fort

Route to Lohagad via Bhaje Caves. Lohagad can be seen in the distance.

From Mumbai, you can take a train to Lonavla. Malawli is the next station from Lonavla in the direction toward Pune. There are a number of local trains operating between Lonavla and Pune; you can take any of them. From Pune, you can take any of these locals.

From Malawli railway station, the fort is just 9 km away. Vehicles can go up to the foot of the hill. From here, which is near a village called Lohagaon, there are steps to the fort, numbering approximately 500.

However, people can also walk all the way till the fort. Bhaje Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon. It is a simple and easy trek and the distance from Malawli station to Lohagadwadi can be covered in around 2-2.5 hrs. The trekking route is not very treacherous even when it rains and even inexperienced climbers can easily walk till the fort enjoying the particularly picturesque scenery, lush green grass, cool mountain air, and the pleasant salubrious climate. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in these hills.

When it rains, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet. It is advisable to carry protective gear during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). Further, food is not easily available on the route. Most of the food stalls sell water, poha, tea/coffee, snacks, and soft drinks.

There is a wonderful view of Pawna dam from the top of the fort.

Gallery

• 
  The trekking path to Lohagad
• 
  From top of Lohagad

Places nearby

• Malawali railway station.
• Mumbai-Pune Expressway (10 km).
• Bhaja Caves (2 km from Malawali), once home to Buddhist monks.
• Karla Caves.
• Lonavala hill station (20 km).

See also

• List of forts in Maharashtra

External links

• Lohagad at MTDC site
• Trekking to Lohagad
• Lohagad Photos